Knowing what's to come, Collon thought he'd check in on Imuru, to ensure he's ready to engage the High Council.
"Imuru." Collon leaned forward to him. "I hate to say this, but you'll need to maintain absolute composure, when you get in there," Collon warned.
"Hmm… Yes, absolute composure," Imuru mused snarky, before he addressed Collon. "I can handle it. Let's just keep it short."
Collon's eyes cast downwards for a mood thought. "Right. The Fifth High Council member Calnary should be the one you look out for. He's the youngest, don't worry you'll know him when you see him."
A high wall of dark ironwood, fused seamlessly with older, weathered stone, rose from the forest floor. Two guards in iron armour watched from the gatehouse grown from a colossal tree. With a nod, they swung the heavy gates inward, revealing the village within.
Inside, the main thoroughfare was bustling with people, but the true story was told by the buildings themselves, traveling towards the center revealed the still standing structures of the other cultures that once inhabited this town.
The crew stepped out. Imuru set his eyes upon the Central Building, At the heart of the town, the three section circular top building, serving as the focal point of the area. This impressive structure is meticulously guarded; entry is granted only with permission.
Thankfully, there was already an elegantly dressed man awaiting them at the steps. The young man bowed, greeting the group pleasantly, as he then led them up the steps with the door automatically opening up to the gathering hall.
"Wwow~..." Imuru's eyes darted around mesmerized, by the grandeur of such space.
A grand and expansive space. The hall is adorned with vibrant white pillars that catch the eye immediately. Large windows line the hall, allowing natural light to flood in and illuminate the space. The walls, painted a warm yellow, add to the hall's welcoming and opulent atmosphere. This area would be bustling with activity as advisors and important council members mingle among the numerous tables and seats scattered throughout the hall, but today was of course a much more special occasion.
The man stopped at the door, stepping aside. Imuru pushed the door open, with his companions trailing behind him.
The meeting room features a long rectangular table in the center, painted white and elegantly laced with golden trim. The design aesthetic of the meeting room mirrors that of the table, with walls following the same white and gold palette. Six large windows punctuate the walls, offering a breathtaking view of the forest below and the plains. These walls can be retracted, revealing the open air and sky, emphasizing the room's elevated position and providing a serene and inspiring backdrop for council meetings.
At last, Imuru's eyes were laid upon the High Council of Collon's village. The five men stood to their feet, greeting Imuru.
"Please, all of you," The First Council member said, ushering the group to take their seats.
With the council on the left, his companions on the right, Collon at the foot, Imuru is forced to take the seat at the head, Forcent right at his side.
"Please allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Ern S' Ri," The first introduced himself, an overly thrilled smile across his face.
As the others went on to introduce themselves, Imuru zoned out, his attention highly focused on the man Calnary, Collon warned him about, the pair locking eyes for a split second, before Imuru diverted his gaze.
"He must be good at suppressing his aura… Or were we merely overestimating him?" Calnary thought, deconstructing Imuru with his very eyes.
With Ern S' Ri ready to begin the meeting, Imuru prepared himself for the news.
"Now, on to the point. There has been a disturbance of the Secondary Portion of the Celestial Lake. We are unsure of what caused it, but the people of Fernum stood no chance…" Ern S' Ri informed. "When it came to be, they built their capital by it, lived in harmony for years, now this."
"We brought you here, to ask for your assistance in this situation," Calnary spoke up. "The people are not what they used to be, traveling in a storm they are already spreading into the Sacred Forest."
The fourth High Council member did the same, finding his voice. "We have already prepared a force to assist you. Rest assured we will assist you with the best of our might."
Ori felt a casual smile forming on her face. "Excuse me." She stood. "I'd like you all to know I deeply appreciate all the help we shall receive. When this is over, whatever the request may be, we will be more than inclined to give."
"It is our honour, Princess," Ern S' Ri replied.
The princess sat down once again, the room falling to silence, awaiting Imuru's words.
He was leaning on the armrest, his head propped in his hand, looking utterly expressionless, contemplating deeply.
"I admire the willingness to assist Princess Ori during her predicament…" Imuru said. "And I can see you all care deeply for your home. So I'll take this issue on my own—there is no need to sacrifice your men."
Everyone in the room made a quiet yet audible sound of surprise. "Are you… Positive? Wouldn't it be of help to something bro fall back on?" Collon inquired, putting outward a deceptive appearance.
"Precisely!" The Third said. "As Great Collon said. This matter is not one that a single individual can take lightly."
Ori's ears drooped, perplexed by Imuru's behaviour. "I-Imuru… Shouldn't we accept all the help we can get?"
"We can't allow failure. This is the Celestial Lake! If this isn't handled with immediate and proper force, we can only imagine the chaos that will be brought down upon the world once it starts to tap into its true power," The Second said panickingly blurted out.
Yosho took in the information from the High Council, but kept her eyes solely on the calm Imuru.
Imuru sighed. "I'll say it again. I appreciate how much you all care, but if it's still in its early phase, then I assure you I can handle it," Imuru said with ease, almost as if this was just another day for him. "Oh, boi… I can't wait to regret that," He thought a split second after.
After this response from Imuru it seemed as if they couldn't change his mind. The High Council despite their seemingly shaken exterior, still had a calm cool to them.
"We understand… We'll respect your wishes, Imuru," Calnary said, his eyes gaze sharp and filled with mysterious intent.
Calnary stood to his feet, the other members of the High Council following suit. "Please we'll like to accompany you to the transportation platform."
Imuru gave a light nod to this, getting up off his seat. His group, along with the council, headed outside.
Nestled in a secluded square, the transportation platform stood. It was a wide circular stage of gray-veined marble, elevated from the ground by a four way, four-step ascent.
Climbing right up the steps, Imuru looked down upon the surface of a complex ring of arcane sigils inlaid with tarnished silver. Taking this in briefly, he spun around to face his group and the council.
"We will await your return Great Imuru," Yosho said, a faithful expression on her face.
"Be careful Young Lord," Slite muttered.
"This will take you into the heart of the Fernum. I doubt there will be any hostiles inside the area where their transportation platform is stationed… Be well," Calnary informed, bidding him goodbye, with a some calming words.
Once activated the markings beneath his feet glow with a soft, cerulean light, until in a flash Imuru vanishes, a soft pulse of air crashing into the group as a result of the transportation.
Forcent took a swift glance at the High Council, sniffing the air, taking in their scents, he stepped away from the group.
Noticing he was gone Yosho eyes darted around, but there was no sign of him.
The transportation was instantaneous with Imuru arriving at the top of towering, his surroundings darkened by the clouds in the sky.
Looking around for his position for a few seconds, he let out an exasperated breath. Holding his chest, as he stepped down off the platform.
He walked over to the edge, receiving a decent of his surroundings. The area was dead silent, not even the comfort of the slightest sound of the wind.